Agenda and minutes

            The Committee received a report regarding the consultation in respect of Notification under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 and section 90(2) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (DTI).  It was noted consent was sought to construct and operate an energy from waste combined heat and power generating station with an approximate capacity of 360MW thermal and up to 100MW of electrical power.

            The report outlined the procedure of the consultation, who was consulted and a summary of responses received as a result of the consultation.  Also detailed in the report was a summary of proposal, justification provided by the applicant in support of the proposal, summary of relevant policies, observations and responses, transport, comments from Merseyside Advisory Services (MEAS), conclusion and recommendation.

Mr Tom Crotty from Ineos Chlor spoke in favour of the proposal outlining the strict operating regimes, which control such facilities, the business benefits that would result and giving assurances on impacts upon Halton and its residents.

In response to the points made, Members asked a number of questions in respect of emergency shut down, dispersal fumes, health risk assessment, varying prices of gas, air pollution, damage to health, fuel quality and source and transport impacts.

Mr Crotty and colleagues from Ineos provided responses to the questions.

Members heard from representatives of Halton Action Group Against the Incinerator. (HAGATI) who spoke against the proposal and in particular that the technology was unproven, how the proposal was driven solely by commercial reasons, how it would adversely impact upon the health and well being of Halton and its residents, that the application was flawed and failed to address a number of issues, impacts upon local roads and transportation systems (lack of capacity) and that no decisions should be made without a public enquiry.

            In response Members asked questions and received responses from one of the speakers.

            Helsby Parish Councillor George Porter addressed the Committee and spoke against the proposal.

            Councillor Bradshaw spoke against the proposal.

            Councillor E. Ratcliffe spoke against the proposal.

            Councillor Rowe spoke against the proposal and stated that there was a need for a public enquiry.

            The Operational Director Environmental and Regulatory Services and officers then addressed the Committee. Members were advised of information, which had been received following the publication of the agenda item. Reference was made to the earlier appraisal session and the ability of the Council to request a public inquiry.

            The Committee was advised that a further five objections had been received since publication of the report – two from members of the public, two from Friends of the Earth and the other from Daresbury Parish Council.  In addition a petition containing 250 names had been received.  It was noted that this additional information would be forwarded to the Secretary of State.

            It was reported that an independent report into the proposed stack height was commissioned following an issue raised at the Members Briefing and Awareness meeting.  The conclusion of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26.